We're a pretty gusty group the human race. Valiant, even lionhearted if we want to get animalistic. Throughout history, there have been various groups of people who have faced unimaginable suffering. Such tragic sufferings that when we look back at it in history books or documentaries, we cringe. These tenacious souls stood up and fought for the true meaning of freedom and democracy.

It is key to note, that as humans we all have this bravery in us. We all possess the determination to fight for what's right even if it means pain for us, but glory for the future. To look back at these moments in time is to be reminded that as we face our current problems politically and socially, we too can mirror the same bravery as those before us.

Spanning from different geographical locations, different walks of life, and different eras. Here are three reminders of the sheer bravery of the human race.

1. Tiananmen Square Protest of 1989

Quite simply, the Tiananmen Square protest in Beijing, China 1989 was a bloodbath of college students. Student-lead protest and demonstrations were occurring for the sole purpose of obtaining democracy. These courageous college students didn't back down once, which can be seen in the famous photo and video of Tank Man, the unidentified courageous soul who but didn't back down from being run over by Chinese Government

2. The Many Troubles of Black People

Black people have endured an amount of oppression and suffering that if we were to analyze it, it would take all day, maybe even weeks. We have been brave in the face of lynchings, tar attacks, discrimination, public humiliation and torture. Even today the black community still must maintain the bravery of our ancestors to face the obstacles put in place by a racist America.

However, there was a historic movement that paralleled the meaning of pure strength and courage. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's, led by the unforgettable Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, John Lewis and many more.

100 years after the Emancipation proclamation and African Americans continued to face race-inspired violence and stark maltreatment. This movement reminds us of the resilience embedded in the human race, a resilience embedded in the souls of blacks that cannot be tarnished.

3. Thích Quảng Đức's Self Immolation

In June 1963 Thích Quảng Đức, a Buddhist monk, set himself on fire to protest the persecution of his fellow Buddhist' by the South Vietnamese government. The act sent shockwaves around the country but also inspired a change. I would not recommend setting yourself ablaze, however, what this does display is the pain we are willing to endure for a better tomorrow.

All three of these historic events parallel bravery, courage, and strength. Look up all three of those words in the dictionary and you just might see these events next to them. There are many lessons we can learn from these events. However, ultimately we need to acknowledge that no matter your origin, your culture or your history, there is a brave resilience embedded in all of us that as we embark upon our future perils, we must remember we have.